Skip to site content

April 2023 Blogs

IHS Supports Tribal Communities in Addressing Alcohol and Substance Abuse

JB Kinlacheeny, Public Health Advisor, Alcohol and Substance Abuse National Lead, Indian Health Service

April 28, 2023
by JB Kinlacheeny, Public Health Advisor, Alcohol and Substance Abuse National Lead, Indian Health Service

In April, the Indian Health Service observes Alcohol Awareness Month to increase awareness and understanding of the causes and treatment of one of the nation’s top public health problems: alcoholism. This month allows communities to focus on spreading awareness and reducing the stigma associated with ... Continue reading


IHS Announces Strategic Initiative: Asthma Control in Tribal Communities

Dr. Loretta Christensen, MBA, MSJ, FACS, IHS Chief Medical Officer

April 20, 2023
by Dr. Loretta Christensen, MBA, MSJ, FACS, IHS Chief Medical Officer

I am pleased to announce the release of the IHS Strategic Initiative – Asthma Control in Tribal communities, or ACT. As a clinical and public health priority in our vulnerable service population, IHS advocates a comprehensive strategy to reduce asthma-related morbidity and mortality among American ... Continue reading


Occupational Therapy Offers a Career of Passion, Growth and Service

Lt. Kelsey Buelow, Occupational Therapist, White Earth Health Center, IHS Bemidji Area

April 13, 2023
by Lt. Kelsey Buelow, Occupational Therapist, White Earth Health Center, IHS Bemidji Area

We are entering into spring, which is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate occupational therapy. Occupational therapists work as a part of the interdisciplinary team across Indian Health Service sites. Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession to enable those of all ages ... Continue reading


Putting a Focus on the Safety, Health and Well-Being of Native Youth during National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services, Indian Health Service

April 5, 2023
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services, Indian Health Service

April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a month to focus on preventing and identifying the ongoing issues of safety, health and well-being for children nationwide.

Child abuse and neglect are highly prevalent within tribal communities. American Indian and Alaska Native children ... Continue reading


Recognizing the Importance of Sexual Assault Prevention in Indian Country

Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services, Indian Health Service

April 4, 2023
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services, Indian Health Service

Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April highlights ongoing advocacy and prevention efforts, drawing attention to how widespread and far-reaching sexual violence is within our communities. Sexual assault is any act of sexual activity or contact without consent that can happen through physical force ... Continue reading


IHS Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

Skye Bass, LCSW, Program Coordinator and Clinical Social Worker, IHS TeleBehavioral Health Center of Excellence, Division of Behavioral Health Headquarters

April 3, 2023
by Skye Bass, LCSW, Program Coordinator and Clinical Social Worker, IHS TeleBehavioral Health Center of Excellence, Division of Behavioral Health Headquarters

April is Autism Awareness Month! One of the many goals of Autism Awareness Month is to recommit ourselves to providing people with autism and their families with the support and quality health care they need to thrive.

The Indian Health Service is committed to supporting individuals with autism, ... Continue reading